Euphemisms as communication vehicle in the Tiv language and literature

Abstract

The beauty of Tiv language and literature is achieved when communication or discourse is laced with euphemistic expressions. Euphemisms aid in turning impolite utterances into polite ones. This study, therefore, investigates the communicative potentials of euphemisms in the Tiv language and literature. The study discusses formations of euphemisms, classifies euphemisms and explores the effects of euphemisms. Connotative theory of meaning has been deployed in this study because the interpretation of euphemisms is contextually and connotatively loaded. Methodologically, the author used primary and secondary materials. The author used a participant-observation tool for data collection. Being a native speaker of the Tiv language, the author collected, translated and classified euphemisms. Secondary materials were sourced from textbooks, journal articles, online sources and dictionaries. The following findings were made: euphemisms constitute phrasal or idiomatic synonyms; they beautify or spice our daily communication; they can becloud meanings. This study will benefit preachers, writers, lecturers/teachers, researchers, semanticists, public speakers, politicians and students.